Notre Dame faces Butler in an exhibition game on Friday night, marking the start of the Irish's third year under Micah Shrewsberry's leadership. The team is optimistic, with junior guard Markus Burton, a Mishawaka native, returning for a potential career-defining season. Burton's impressive resume includes over 1,000 points and an average of more than 17 points per game in his first two seasons. He was recently named to the 2025-26 Preseason All-ACC First Team. Burton is joined by junior Braeden Shrewsberry and five-star recruit Jalen Haralson, a highly-rated class that includes Brady Koehler, Ryder Frost, and Tommy Ahneman. Carson Towt, a transfer from Northern Arizona, adds front-court physicality, and Kebba Njie, a 6-foot-10 forward, joins the team. The Irish's starting five is a question mark, with confidence in sophomores Sir Mohammed, Garrett Sundra, and Cole Certa. The exhibition game against Butler, which is not streamed or broadcast, will be a key test for the team. The Bulldogs, led by Thad Matta, are aiming to build on their College Basketball Crown appearance. Butler's roster includes ESPN's 25th-ranked recruiting class and five transfers, with players like Jack McCaffery, Azavier 'Stink' Robinson, Michael Ajayi, and Yohan Traore. The Bulldogs are hoping to make the NCAA Tournament, last appearing in 2014. The exhibition game will be live on WSBT radio with Conor Clingen, and tickets are available online.
